Stress less in the month of August

With the end of PCS season, the beginning of the school year, and the closing of summer, the month of August can be a beast or a burden to most military families. 

As a former Naval wife, my husband was considered a “geo bachelor” during the first half of his military career. In the military, a service member is a geo bachelor when they live in a separate location from their family members. So, when my son and I moved to Fort Liberty after my husband transferred into the Army, Fort Liberty became our very first military installation — and that move came with multiple hoops of fire that I was responsible for maneuvering without direction, friends, or even a clue as to how the military operated.

I can discuss the complications living apart had on our family in another column, but right now, I want to highlight some areas where August became action-packed with moves, preparation for the new school year, and making sure the last bit of summer fun is savored.

Summer PCS season typically ends around August; for most families this means they are arriving at their new installation with or without furniture and/or belongings. This alone has been known to throw off many routines. While you are waiting for your items to arrive, visit the Lending Closet. The Lending Closet is a program offered through the Army Community Service (ACS) and ensures that families are able to utilize household items when they PCS in or out of post. Available items include but are not limited to: pots, pans, dishes, small electrical appliances, and pack ‘n plays. If you are in need of larger furniture “items,” visit the Airborne Attic, where you can browse their array of household items. 

August also signifies the beginning of the school year for most families. When our family reunited under one roof, it was when our son began his freshman year in high school. This added a level of stress to our move because we no longer lived in the state of Michigan, and I was completely unaware of the high schools here in the area — and trust me, there are a lot. There are six school districts that serve the Fort Liberty area, with Cumberland County Schools as the largest. With 34 preschools, 54 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, and 18 high schools in their portfolio, you have the ability to choose from various options — including year-round schools, traditional school programs, and choice programs. If you and your family live on post and have a child enrolling in kindergarten to 8th grade, Fort Liberty is home to 9 schools for you to choose from. 

Last-minute summer fun and age-appropriate activities available for the entire family are also not hard to find on and off post. The first that my family enjoyed when we arrived was Dragon Lanes Bowling Alley on Fort Liberty. Dragon Lanes offers affordable games ranging from $11- $15 per person, and all prices include shoe rental. Make sure you order a pizza from the snack bar. The 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum, also on post, offers a glimpse into the history of the All American division. This gem of a museum is free of charge and allows you to follow its history from the birth of the division through historic battles including, but not limited to, World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. Another must-see is the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum (ASOM) in downtown Fayetteville. The ASOM has done an amazing job at capturing the historic evolution of the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Forces from 1940 into current times. The museum is free to attend. 

Venture downtown and explore all that Fayetteville has to offer. You still have time to catch a baseball game before school starts; head over to Segra Stadium and cheer on the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. Each night holds a fun theme, such as “Wagging Wednesday,” where you can bring your fur baby to the game, or “Harry Potter Night,” where you receive a free house cap. Be mindful, if you have sensory-friendly family members, some nights include fireworks and may want to be avoided. 

As you continue your military journey, be prepared to develop a stress-free summer routine. Knowing what I know now has allowed me to develop three points of practice that are imperative to my family’s success the next time we PCS. 

1. Make your first stop/call to ACS. ACS offers programs and services that aim to fit a variety of needs service members and their families may encounter. 
2. Seek out your Soldier and Family Readiness Groups (SFRG). SFRGs are command-sponsored programs developed to support the soldiers and their families. Here you will be able to meet other members of your company and start building connections. Check with your spouse’s unit, Command Family Readiness team, or the Brigade/Battalion’s social media site to obtain your SFRG.
3. Find the Fun! Locate your installation’s MWRs location. The Army MWR program improves the quality life of soldiers and their families via recreational activities, entertainment, travel and leisure, and family, child, and youth programs.   

I was not prepared for the many to-dos and obstacles that awaited me during the month of August; I hope now that my struggles will become your success.